2023 Community Performance
Pride is taken in the fact that, on average over the last four years, nearly 80% of Donlin Gold’s workforce annually has originated from the state of Alaska. In the 2023 field season specifically, 80% of direct hires by Donlin Gold LLC were Alaska Natives from 18 Y-K communities, many of whom are members of federally recognized Tribes. This is particularly significant in a region marked by high unemployment and limited employment opportunities compared to urban areas.
In 2023, Donlin Gold successfully recruited four new community liaisons from Nunapitchuk, Tuluksak, Pilot Station, and Kwigillingok, expanding the total to nine. Donlin Gold also established three additional Shared Value Statements with Alaska Native Villages, bringing the total to 16. These statements, along with their implementation, formalize and strengthen the existing engagement with key local communities. They address specific community needs, including water, sewer, and solid waste projects, the maintenance of the ice road connecting remote villages in the Y-K region, studies on salmon and other aquatic life, and suicide prevention programs, as well as other health and public safety initiatives. This proactive approach not only deepens our long-term relationships but also actively contributes to collaboratively addressing and fulfilling the unique needs of each community. It is our goal in 2024 to continue to increase the number of communities with Shared Value Statements with Donlin Gold and ensure that the agreed-upon commitments are met.
In 2023, Donlin Gold had 13,103 engagements with key individual stakeholders and community organizations across 56 communities in the Y-K region, representing a significant increase from last year’s total of 6,370. This notable rise is a result of the year-over-year increase in efforts to actively engage with local communities and stakeholders of the Y-K region. Led by the project’s community relations team, composed entirely of Alaska Native and Tribal Members, communication is conducted with utmost respect for community traditions. The team’s approach goes beyond information dissemination; it actively seeks feedback on both ongoing and future project activities. A significant portion of this engagement is conducted in Yup’ik, the primary language for many Elders and villages.
| DIRECT PAYMENTS, SPONSORSHIPS AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
| Amounts | $3.0M | $3.5M | $3.3M |
| Engagement with more than 56 Y-K communities and stakeholders |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
| Engagements | 1,065 | 6,370 | 13,103 |
| Purchases from 1,434 Alaska-based suppliers |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
| Purchases | $8.0M | $15.2M | $10.2M |
| Native villages that Donlin Gold LLC employees call home | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
| Native villages | 20 | 24 | 18 |
In addition, Donlin Gold received recognition as a regional leader for its support to Crooked Creek during significant spring flooding. Donlin Gold staff offered on-site assistance, supplies, transportation, and comfort to those affected. They played a pivotal role in providing critical information to the State, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency.
In collaboration with Calista and TKC, Donlin Gold organized the inaugural informational meeting for the Subsistence Community Advisory Committee (SCAC) in Aniak during the second quarter of 2023. The SCAC is a Sub-Committee of the DATROC that includes community members from throughout the Y-K region who advise Donlin Gold LLC on promoting and safeguarding subsistence activities as the project progresses. All participants, representing diverse perspectives on the Donlin Gold project, completed applications to join the SCAC. A second meeting was held in late 2023 and plans are to continue to hold regular meetings to address subsistence issues. The SCAC’s role is especially important as the region grapples with ongoing challenges related to salmon declines and fishing restrictions.
During 2023, Donlin Gold actively supported various search and rescue teams in the region, as well as providing crucial financial assistance to both the Bethel Community Services Foundation and Special Olympics Alaska. Furthermore, Donlin Gold continued its collaboration with Covenant House Alaska and Bethel Community Services to develop an action plan addressing chronic youth food insecurity in the Y-K region. Notably, these entities have successfully leased space from Bethel Winter House, marking a significant step toward establishing a housing and service hub for youth aged 18 to 24.
Overall, Donlin Gold LLC provided approximately $3.3 million in sponsorships, direct payments to communities, and other community investments in 2023, a slight decrease from $3.5 million in 2022.
